DFB Pokal Round-Up: Bayern Munich, Schalke Advance

Today’s DFB Pokal games saw Bayern Munich thump Germania Dattenfeld, and Schalke nip past ten-man VfR Aalen.

Bayern Munich started a full strength side as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga season. Arjen Robben is still absent after succumbing to a recurring injury in pre-season, but Martin Demichelis returned to the side after being passed fit.

Butt – Lahm, Badstuber, Demichelis, Contento – Schweinsteiger, van Bommel – Mueller, Kroos, Ribery – Klose

Thomas Mueller began the match in the position that brought him so much success during the World Cup with Germany, and he continued to impress during the match as he time and again opened up the opposition back-line. Klose lead the line for Bayern Munich and also continued with his World Cup form after failing to hit double figures last season for Bayern Munich. Klose certainly does look a lot more confident now, after the World Cup, than he did the season before the tournament began. Klose opened the scoring for Die roten on the edge of half-time. Young midfielder Toni Kroos was positioned just behind Klose, and impressed with a performance full of flair and creativity. French midfielder Franck Ribery also continued his impressive pre-season form with a goal.

In all, the match ended 4-0 to Bayern Munich but it really could and should have been more convincing. Bayern look ready to defend their title and push for European glory again this season.

Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga rivals Schalke were also in action this afternoon against third division side VfR Aalen. Schalke, unfortunately, did not make much of their dominance and nearly slipped up as the match neared it’s end. Aalen went down to ten men eighteen minutes into the first half when Andreas Schoen was sent off. Jefferson Farfan netted both sides of half time, and his goals proved to be the winners despite a late consolation penalty from Tim Bauer. Schalke also picked a full strength side minus the experience of newly-signed striker Raul.

Neuer – Uchida, Howedes, Metzelder, Sergio – Rakitic, Jones, Hao – Farfan, Edu, Jendrisek

Schalke will be disappointed that they could not kill off their opponents with more ease and grace than they did, but they’ll be looking forward to the new Bundesliga season with excitement and adventure after being tipped by many to finally take Bayern Munich’s spot at the top of the Bundesliga table and crown themselves champions. It’ll also be interesting to see what kind of group Schalke get in the Champions League, and how they do in Europe’s top competition against the best of the best.